Comparable to the familiar i3, i5, i7, and i9 processor families, the first-gen Core Ultra processors also include Ultra 7 and Ultra 9 variants. Notably, the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, as detailed by @TheGalox_, employs a 16-core, 22-thread architecture (comprising 6 P cores, 8 E cores, and 2 LPE cores) and boasts a peak clock speed of 5.1 GHz. In contrast to the i9-13900H, the Core Ultra 9 185H offers a slightly lower clock speed but compensates with more cores and threads. Additionally, it utilizes the new Intel 4 process, introduces enhanced WiFi support, and incorporates a new AI engine.

Intel touts the Meteor Lake processor as a pivotal development in its client processor roadmap, marking the first use of client die design with Foveros packaging technology. Beyond substantial improvements in the NPU's performance-to-power ratio and the Intel 4 process node, this processor delivers graphics performance akin to standalone graphics cards by integrating Intel Ruixuan graphics.

Enabled by advanced Foveros 3D packaging, Meteor Lake adopts a modular architecture, separating the processor into functional units: compute module, IO module, SoC module, and graphics module. This architectural shift represents a 40-year transformation in Intel's client SoC architecture.

The processor features a 3D high-performance hybrid design, incorporating performance cores (Redwood Cove), energy-efficient cores (Crestmont), and low-power energy-efficient cores. Intel's claims of exceptional energy efficiency in PC processors and the integration of neural processing units (NPUs) for AI acceleration further bolster its appeal.

Intel Core Ultra processors also introduce four unique modules:

1. Compute module (Compute Tile): Utilizing the latest energy-efficient and performance core micro-architecture, benefiting from Intel 4 process technology.
2. SoC module (SoC Tile): A low-power island design with integrated NPU, facilitating AI development, supporting 8K HDR, AV1 codecs, and Wi-Fi 6E.
3. Graphics module (GPU Tile): Incorporates Intel Sharp graphics architecture, delivering graphics card-level performance, ray tracing, and Intel XeSS support.
4. IO module (IO Tile): Boasts industry-leading connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 and PCIe Gen 5.0 integration.

Notably, the Intel Core Ultra mobile processor marks an upgrade from Xe LP to Xe LPG core display, doubling the performance per watt of its predecessor. With up to 8 Xe cores, increased graphics core count, and higher frequencies, Intel aims to rival AMD Radeon 780M core display performance.

For the first time in the Meteor Lake series, Intel introduces a low-power computing island housing dual "Low Power E-cores," suitable for light workloads. Positioned within the SoC module, this design further optimizes the balance between energy efficiency and performance. Intel offers Core Ultra processors across various power envelopes, with configurations ranging from 1 large core + 8 small cores to 6 large cores + 8 small cores, along with core display options of up to 8Xe cores, catering to a wide spectrum of computing needs.

Source : IThome